Title: Iowa Residents Express Concerns Over Carbon Pipeline Intrusion into Farmland
Iowa Utilities Board Witnesses Testify Against Carbon Pipeline’s Impact on Farmland
Residents of Iowa raised their voices in opposition to the proposed carbon pipeline project by Summit Carbon Solutions during a trial-like hearing held by the Iowa Utilities Board. The hearing marked the beginning of what is expected to be a months-long examination of Summit’s pipeline application, focusing on the controversial topic of eminent domain.
Several property owners who steadfastly refused to sign voluntary easements took the witness stand on the first day of the hearing on August 22. One resident, Marcia Langner from Clay County near Ayrshire, Iowa, testified about her family’s encounter with Summit representatives. Langner revealed that her 93-year-old mother had allegedly been harassed by representatives who breached promises to provide them with prior notification regarding property surveys.
Summit Carbon Solutions, an Iowa-based company, seeks the necessary permits for constructing a 2,000-mile pipeline spanning five states. The purpose of the pipeline is to transport greenhouse gas emissions from ethanol plants in Iowa, with the final destination being underground storage in North Dakota. If the Iowa Utilities Board grants approval, Summit will automatically obtain the right of eminent domain, enabling them to legally compel landowners to provide right-of-way through the court system.
Langner highlighted various concerns regarding the potential hazards the pipeline might pose to her family’s diversified farm. She emphasized that their property, like many in Iowa, relies on pattern tiling, which could be negatively impacted by pipeline construction. Langner expressed her skepticism, stating, I can’t imagine that there will be no tile problems. Even with the best of intentions, I think that the odds of having tile broken and damaged during construction would likely occur. I also believe compaction is going to be an issue. Additionally, Langner expressed concerns about the pipeline’s proximity to the barns where they rear cattle for calving. She specifically cited worries about the disturbance caused by construction activities and the potential long-term effects on the calving area and nearby pastures.
The presence of wetlands on their property further exacerbates Langner’s apprehensions. Although asked if she thought construction would damage the wetland, she responded, Well, it’s not going to help them.
Weeds also emerged as a significant concern for Langner. She highlighted that according to information she had come across, Summit would have 45 days to address any weed-related issues. Nonchalant neglect of weed control for that duration could potentially become an economic issue for farmers.
In defense of their position, Langner asserted that they had requested Summit surveyors to provide prior notification before accessing their property. Disappointingly, on two occasions, surveyors entered their property without complying with their request. These unauthorized entries disturbed cattle during calving season and exposed the surveyors to potentially harmful chemicals after spraying. Proper notice, Langner argued, could have averted such unpleasant incidents. She also accused Summit representatives of unethical tactics and continuous disruptions to their workday, despite repeatedly expressing disinterest in signing the easement agreements.
Summit has maintained that the eminent domain right is vital for the completion of the pipeline, claiming that the project would ultimately benefit the ethanol industry and the corn growers supplying the ethanol plants.
Throughout the afternoon, Langner and other non-intervenor property owners testified, while the morning session addressed procedural matters involving over 50 intervenors.
Summit’s attorney referred to attorney Brian Jorde’s extensive written testimony, exceeding 10,000 pages, representing landowners across multiple states. Amidst uncertainty surrounding the timing of landowner testimonies over the next few months, the attorney sought clarity on Summit’s case presentation schedule, indicating a desire to plan accordingly.
As the hearing continues, more landowners are expected to testify against the pipeline project. Nelva Huitink, a dairy farmer from Hospers, Iowa, shared her own experience with the Dakota Access oil pipeline, which runs through her family’s farm. Huitink revealed that a sinkhole recently developed over that existing pipeline, raising concerns about potential future incidents with the proposed carbon pipeline.
The battle between landowners and Summit Carbon Solutions rages on, as Iowa residents strive to protect their farmland from potential threats posed by the carbon pipeline. The verdict on the approval of Summit’s permits and the consequential use of eminent domain rests with the Iowa Utilities Board.
